Olivia Thirlby Biography

American actress Olivia Thirlby has been on the acting scene since 2006. During that short time, she has already become a favorite among critics and audiences through work in well-received projects such as Juno and The Wackness.

Olivia Thirlby was born October 6, 1986 in New York City, New York. She was subsequently raised in the East Village to a construction worker father.

In terms of education, she first attended the Friends Seminary. Focusing on her career choice, Thirlby then went to the American Globe Theatre followed by the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art for a short time. Thirlby counts stage combat as one of her many specialized skills—a course she attended at the British Academy of Stage and Screen Combat.

Thirlby’s first brush with the world of entertainment came in 2006, when she made her onscreen debut in United 93. Directed by Paul Greengrass, she shared the screen with JJ Johnson, Gary Commock, Polly Adams, and others.

She followed with the tepidly received Unlocked. The short also featured Meagan Hooper, Jessica Philbin, and Daniel Sauli.

2006 was also Thirlby’s introduction to the world of television. Serving a five-episode stint, she was featured on the crime drama Kidnapped. Portraying Aubrey Cain, the series regulars included Jeremy Sisto, Carmen Ejogo, Delroy Lindo, and Dana Delany.

When the television gig came to an end, Thirlby bounced back with an appearance in David Gordon Green’s 2007 drama Snow Angels. Well-received by critics and audiences, the film featured the talents of Kate Beckinsale, Sam Rockwell, Amy Sedaris, and others.

But it was 2007 that would make Thirlby a household name. The career turnaround came from a costarring role in Jason Reitman’s Oscar-winning comedy Juno. Written by Diablo Cody, Thirlby played Leah, the best friend of title character Juno MacGuff (portrayed by Ellen Page). Thirlby also shared the screen with Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman, Allison Janney, and JK Simmons.

She followed with Love Comes Lately opposite Otto Tausig and Rhea Perlman.

Switching gears, Thirlby appeared in Si J’étais Toi (also released as The Secret). The romantic drama also starred David Duchovny and Lili Taylor.

More recently, 2008 brought a co-starring role in the dramatic comedy The Wackness. Set in the mid-90s, the Jonathan Levine film featured Ben Kingsley, Famke Janssen, Josh Peck, and Mary Kate Olsen.

Catching the eye of A-list director Judd Apatow, Thirlby won a spot in his latest comedy Pineapple Express as the girlfriend of Seth Rogen’s character. Once rehearsals began, however, she lost the role to Amber Heard.

Still proving highly in demand, Thirlby has currently completed Margaret. She is also in post-production for Safety Glass, Uncertainty, New York, I Love You, The Dream of Romans, and Breaking Upwards.

In her personal life, Thirlby intends to pursue a college degree once her acting career proves more stable.

In the June 2008 issue of Vanity Fair, Thirlby was labeled one of “Hollywood’s New Wave.” The other young stars to make the list included Emma Roberts, The Jonas Brothers, Amanda Seyfried, and others.